If you love the buttery, crumbly texture of bars combined with the sweet-tart deliciousness of cherries, then this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the perfect marriage of a soft, cookie-like crust with a luscious layer of cherry pie filling peeking through every bite, all finished with a delicate drizzle of almond-infused icing. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, these bars deliver nostalgia and joy in every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a thick layer of bright red cherry topping with whole cherries coated in shiny, glossy syrup. The cherries have a smooth texture and are packed tightly together, covering the entire surface. This cherry topping rests on a thin light beige base crust that is slightly visible at the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, familiar ingredients are the cornerstone of this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich butter that creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, to the fragrant almond extract adding that subtle, irresistible aroma. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these bars truly shine.

Butter (softened): Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender dough.
Sugar and Brown Sugar: Combine for a balanced sweetness and slight caramel notes.
Eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to a moist texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps with dough consistency.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Bring depth and a complementary flavor that enhances the cherry filling.
Flour: The foundation for the dough’s structure and crumb.
Baking Powder: Gives a little lift and lightness to the bars.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show—juicy cherries with just the right sweetness and a hint of tartness.
Powdered Sugar: For the delicate, sweet glaze that ties everything together.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or, even better, line it with parchment paper. Using parchment makes it a breeze to lift the baked bars out all at once, so you don’t have to worry about them sticking or breaking apart during cutting.

Step 2: Create the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—that usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes of good mixing. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and develop that tender crumb. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract for flavor nuances that pair beautifully with the cherry filling. Finally, add your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make the bars tough.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

With two-thirds of your cookie dough, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using damp fingers or a spatula. Spread the cherry pie filling over this layer, making sure it’s even to get that consistent burst of cherry flavor in every bite. Then, take the remaining dough and drop it in spoonfuls over the cherries. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the filling completely; seeing those luscious cherries peeking through is part of the charm!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the edges firm up and the cherry filling bubbles slightly at the edges. Allow them to cool completely in the pan—that patience pays off, making them easier to slice without crumbling.

Step 5: The Icing Drizzle

While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Add a touch of almond extract if you want to amplify that lovely almond-cherry combo. Drizzle the icing generously over your cooled bars—this finishing touch adds just the right amount of sweetness and an irresistible shine.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Three square pieces of dessert bars sit on a white plate with scalloped edges. Each bar has three layers: a light golden-brown crust at the bottom, a bright red cherry filling in the middle with whole cherries visible, and a pale golden lattice top layer. A creamy white glaze is drizzled over the top, slightly dripping onto the plate. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a blue and white cloth is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple powdered sugar dusting or a few fresh cherries on top can elevate the presentation and hint at the luscious filling inside. If you want to get fancy, a sprig of fresh mint adds a splash of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightfully versatile and pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or tea also makes the perfect companion to balance the sweetness while you indulge.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter for parties. You can also serve them layered with whipped cream and fresh cherries in parfait glasses for a charming twist sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, placing them in the refrigerator extends their life up to a week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these beauties on hand for another day, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Just be sure to wait until they have thawed fully if frozen before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used if you prefer. You might need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to achieve that classic cherry pie filling consistency before layering in the bars.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can adapt this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well and watch the texture, which might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the bars without almond extract?

Definitely! Almond extract adds a lovely complementary flavor, especially paired with cherries, but it’s optional. Your bars will still taste fantastic with just vanilla extract.

How should I cut the bars to avoid crumbling?

Cool the bars completely in the pan, then refrigerate them for 30 to 60 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, clean edges.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking pan works well. Just watch the baking time, as it might take a bit longer to cook through with the thicker layer of dough and filling.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Cherry Pie Bars Recipe is your answer. Its balance of tender crust, sweet and tangy cherries, and that irresistible glaze will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!